It’s the penultimate Sunday in Ordinary Time, and St. Mary’s is doing what we do best – feeding people! I am awed and humbled by your response as we collect food and funds for the Kettle Moraine Food Pantry! Thank you so much. We will continue to collect through November (and potentially longer, depending on the need).
We are also collecting money this week and next so that we can buy Thanksgiving groceries for four families from the Dousman School District. We will go shopping next week, November 23 after the 10 a.m. service. Please let me know if you can push a cart while we shop.
The building boom continues in Dousman. On Tuesday, November 18 at 11 a.m. the Welcome Team is planning to place flyers at the new Three Pillars’ homes to invite our new neighbors to join us at St. Mary’s. You are welcome to join us. We’ll meet at St. Mary’s at 11 a.m.
We have two amazing opportunities next Saturday. The first is the Homebrewed Faith Advent Retreat. We are partnering with Emmanuel UCC to plan an opportunity for reflection and growth on November 22 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This retreat is at Emmanuel and will include prayer, crafts, a labyrinth, and a guided meditation. This is a great way to prepare for Advent.
The second opportunity is the Regional Gathering with the Bishop at St. Aidan’s, Hartford, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This regional gathering will focus on Discipleship and Formation. Discussion topics include: Worship, Christian Practice, Formation, Our Congregations, and Our Hope for the Future of the Church. You can RSVP by signing up in the Parish Hall.
Next Sunday we are putting up our Christmas lights! If you can stay after service on Sunday, November 23, Mary-Beth will put you to work hanging lights, wreaths and snowflakes. They could particularly use someone to steady the ladders, help with the extension cords and hang the lights. It’s always so hopeful to combat the dark of winter with these cheerful lights.
Prayers and Blessings,
Mother Pippa